first-foot

[furst-foo t]Scot.

noun Also first-foot·er.

the first person to cross the threshold of a house on New Year's Day.

the first person met after starting out on the day of an important occasion.

verb (used with object)

to enter (a house) first on New Year's Day.

verb (used without object)

to be the first to enter a house on New Year's Day.

Origin of first-foot

First recorded in 1880–85

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for first-foot

Historical Examples of first-foot

"I should be the first-foot here, only I'm no use as a qualtagh," said Philip.
The Manxman
Hall Caine
But our business at present is with the first-foot, and we must hold.
Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland
Various
It is more lucky to meet a man than a woman as a first-foot.
The Mysteries of All Nations
James Grant
The "first-foot," on receiving his bread and cheese, is expected to return a short distance with the child, to show his good will.
The Mysteries of All Nations
James Grant
He knew her at the first glance—it was the fair stranger—his mother's first-foot!
Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland
Various

British Dictionary definitions for first-foot

first-foot

noun Also: first-footer

the first person to enter a household in the New Year. By Hogmanay tradition a dark-haired man who crosses the threshold at midnight brings good luck

verb

to enter (a house) as first-foot

Derived Formsfirst-footing, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012